Value of a three blade prop?

[hewilson]

So is the reduced cruise speed due to increased drag then?

I've heard that the most "efficient" prop is the one with the fewest blades but efficient how? Though it may be efficient, is it the most "effective." Effective gets the job done best. Efficient gets it done with the fewest resources or at lowest cost. In props does this mean that two blades maximizes thrust while minimizing drag? In other words, any increased thrust from the third blade is more than offset by the drag?

Rick, I'd be interested in hearing more on how your customer(s) likes the three blade.

Thanks for the replies guys. I'm due to solo this week so I'm getting closer to my dream of owning a Skymaster. It helps to be informed when you finally get the point when you can actually pull the trigger.

Hugh Wilson